The Powerlist includes individuals from the worlds of entertainment, sport, banking, business, politics, and cyber-security.
Sir Lenny Henry, Stormzy, and Michaela Coel are included on a list of the most important black persons in the United Kingdom, but the top slot goes to a businesswoman.
The Powerlist, which has been published annually since 2007, ranks the most influential individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American descent in the United Kingdom.
On the 2023 list are the actor’s Sir Lenny, 64, and Idris Elba, 50, as well as the actress and screenwriter Coel, 35, the rapper Stormzy, the chief of the UK Cyber Security Council, Simon Hepburn, and the footballer Marcus Rashford.
However, the ranking is topped by Dame Sharon White, the chairwoman of John Lewis.
Dame Sharon, 55, who is the first woman to hold this position, stated, “It is a tremendous honor to have been selected to receive this year’s Powerlist award, especially considering the accomplishments of the other contenders.”
Everyone should have the opportunity to be whom they want to be in life, with their history serving as a source of pride rather than a detriment.
Steven Bartlett, a podcast presenter, and Dragons’ Den star are also in the top ten.
According to the list’s creators, it was created “to highlight black role models for young people.”
Former footballer Alex Scott and Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya are also on the list.
First-time participants include the chief financial officer of the Bank of England, Afua Kyei, and its senior adviser, Tangy Morgan, as well as the chairwoman of the UK Cyber Security Council, Dr. Claudia Natanson.
On the list are also Raheem Sterling, Edward Enninful, David Lammy, and Munroe Bergdorf.
A team led by Dame Linda Dobbs, a retired High Court judge, compiles the list.
“Large impact”
Tim Campbell, the winner of the first season of The Apprentice, was also a member of the judging panel.
Michael Eboda, the chief executive officer of Powerful Media, which released the list, referred to it as “the premier showcase, recognition, and reminder of the incredible individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American background we have in the United Kingdom.”
He noted that Dame Sharon exemplified “real excellence.”
“It is simply astounding how much of an impact she has had on one of the leading retail firms in the United Kingdom. I commend the excellent work she is doing.”
More plaudits
Also honored at this year’s Ethnicity Awards was Sir Lenny.
Sir Mo Farah, 39, got the sports trailblazer award for speaking out against prejudice after revealing earlier this year that he was eight years old when he was trafficked to the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career as an actor, presenter, and comedian, Sir Lenny fought for racial equality and spoke up for communities. As a result, he received a lifetime achievement award.
Dina Asher-Smith, age 26, was voted sports personality of the year for discussing her experiences with racism, while Alison Hammond, age 47, was named host of the year.
Azeem Rafiq, 31, was awarded the media impact award for speaking out against racial abuse and bullying at Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Emeli Sande, 35, was named artist of the year for “challenging prejudice and equality.”
